Integrated Shock Absorber Axle Lifting for Heavy Truck Space Savings

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional solutions for lifting truck axles in heavy-duty vehicles are complex, large, and heavy, failing to provide a simple, space-saving, and lightweight alternative.

Innovation Solution

A shock absorber device with a lifting mechanism that adjusts the length of the shock absorber along an axis, allowing for axial coupling of its parts to lift axles, thereby integrating the lifting device and shock absorber in a simple manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional lifting devices are used to lift truck axles, then the lifting function is achieved, but the device becomes complex, large, and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device is merged with the shock absorber by mounting the lifting device directly onto the shock absorber. The lifting device includes a lifting piston that integrates with the shock absorber's piston rod, combining two separate functions (suspension and lifting) into a single integrated assembly, thereby reducing overall device complexity and weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shock absorber assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the suspension element and the lifting mechanism. The lifting piston and shock absorber piston rod share common structural elements, allowing the same assembly to provide both damping and axle lifting functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated lifting devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If traditional lifting devices are used to lift truck axles, then the lifting function is achieved, but the device occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice spaceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device is merged with the shock absorber by mounting the lifting device directly onto the shock absorber. The lifting device includes a lifting piston that integrates with the shock absorber's piston rod, combining two separate functions (suspension and lifting) into a single integrated assembly, thereby reducing overall device complexity and weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting piston is nested within the shock absorber assembly. The lifting piston rod is positioned concentrically with the shock absorber piston rod, and the lifting device components are arranged within the existing shock absorber footprint, minimizing additional space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12281687B2Shock absorber device and vehicle comprising such a shock absorber device

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

AI summary

A shock absorber device for a vehicle, the shock absorber device comprising a shock absorber and a lifting device, the lifting device being configured to adjust a length of the shock absorber along the axis between a second length and the first length, the second length being less than the first length, wherein the lifting device has a released configuration wherein the lifting device allows the first part and the second part to axially move with regard to each other along the axis and an engaged configuration wherein the lifting device axially couples the first part and the second part together.